Definition

Noun: A fastening device that secures the hood (bonnet) of a vehicle in the closed position. It is a type of latch or catch, typically operated by a lever or cable from inside the car's cabin, which prevents the hood from opening while the vehicle is in motion.

Usage

The term "hood latch" refers specifically to the mechanical component itself. It is used to describe the part, its function, or its condition. - The mechanic checked the hood latch to ensure it was properly engaged. - A faulty hood latch is a serious safety concern. - Pull the release lever inside the car to disengage the hood latch.

Advanced Usage

• "Secondary hood latch": A safety catch, usually requiring manual release from the front of the hood after the primary latch is disengaged from inside the car. It prevents the hood from flying open if the primary latch fails.
  • After pulling the interior release, you must reach under the front edge of the hood to find the secondary hood latch.

Variants and Related Words

• Bonnet catch/latch: The British English equivalent term.
• Latch: The general word for a fastening device with a bar that falls into a notch.
• Hood release: Often refers to the interior lever or cable system that activates the hood latch, though sometimes used interchangeably with "hood latch."

Synonyms

• Catch
• Fastener
• Bonnet latch (UK)

Antonyms

• Hood release (when specifically referring to the mechanism that opens the latch)
• Opening mechanism

Related Phrases

• "Pop the hood": A common phrase meaning to release the hood latch to open the hood.
  • Can you pop the hood so I can check the oil?
• "Hood is ajar": A warning message or state indicating the hood latch is not fully secured.
  • The dashboard showed a "hood ajar" warning light.

Noun

1. a catch that holds the hood of a car shut